Depoe Bay Serves Up Indian-Style Salmon Bake Sept. 17

On Saturday, September 17, thousands of pounds of salmon fillets will be cooked in a traditional technique used for generations by native coastal tribes at Depoe Bay’s annual Indian-Style Salmon Bake.

Before sunrise on Saturday morning a huge 80-foot fire line will be ignited with six cords of fir and three cords of alder. Salmon fillets are placed on alder wood stakes, held in place with cedar strips, then positioned over the smoldering fire line. The traditional outdoor grilling imparts rich flavors to the salmon as they bake to perfection.

Visitors will enjoy their salmon meals at tables in the sun or under a huge tent, while listening to live performances of Native American music complemented by native tribal dancers. Raffle tickets will be on sale at the Salmon Bake for “Discover Depoe Bay” packages, which include lodging, dining, fishing and whale watching trips.

Oregon’s delicious “signature salmon event” takes place at the Depoe Bay City Park, located on the edge of the woods and a scenic creek just south of the town’s picturesque harbor. Free shuttles will take visitors to and from the park, as well as from the park to downtown shops along the ocean front. Many Depoe Bay merchants offer special discounts for the Salmon Bake event.

Admission to the Indian Style Salmon Bake is free. Meal tickets will be on sale in advance as well as on the day of the event. The number of salmon meals available is limited, so if you plan to attend an advance ticket purchase is recommended.

Depoe Bay enjoys nearly year-round whale watching as “Oregon’s Whale Watching Capitol”. The long seawall along the town center offers exciting views of gray whales feeding just off the rocks during this time of year. Charter boats will take visitors to see these majestic giants up close along the scenic coastline.

The Salmon Bake is a non-profit event sponsored by the Depoe Bay Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and residents. Proceeds help fund Chamber activities as well as town events and improvement projects.

For more information about the Indian Style Salmon Bake please contact the Depoe Bay Chamber of Commerce 541-765-2889 (toll free 877-485-8348), or info@depoebaychamber.org).